Dream Amsterdam Foundation challenges contemporary, renowned international artists to create site-specific art projects in public space. Art that can not be overlooked and speak to a universal imagination. Through the fresh outlook of the artist the city gets a new meaning. Like a dream. The result is art that emerges out of the interaction between the artist, the city, the selected locations and the perceiver. Art where the perceiver is the participant.

The DREAM-projects are based on the DNA and (hi)story of the city, including the people that live, visit, work, dwell, love and play there. The locations and artists are selected after researching distinctive architectural, urban and social aspects and behavioural patterns within the city. The commissioned site-specific art projects function as a counterpoint in the city, making people more aware and conscious of their environment. They are completed through co-creation and interaction with the audience. The art projects have a strong impact on the viewer and change locations “mentally”. Even when they are long gone, the art works resonate in our minds and are stored in our collective memory.

Within the frame of DREAM AMSTERDAM, we have given internationally acclaimed contemporary visual artists the opportunity to use Amsterdam as a source of inspiration, studio, material, decor and exhibition space. We have realised successful editions with Spencer Tunick (USA) in 2007, Ryoji Ikeda (JP) in 2008, and Peter Funch (DK) in 2009.

In 2012, we realised a first thematic manifestation GIRL, YOU’LL BE A WOMAN SOON: an ode to the woman from A to Z presented through a multi-disciplinary art and cultural event, symposium and film program with key-note speakers, such as Germaine Greer (AUS). Within this context we showed ‘Sirens of Chrome’ by Danish artist Jesper Just.

Within the notion of “Connecting Cities”, we are currently working on DREAM COPENHAGEN: a series of site-specific art projects and interventions in Copenhagen, Denmark. The first edition is realised in collaboration with Dutch dance / perfomance group T.R.A.S.H. and Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art during Copenhagen Art Week on September 1 and 2, 2016.